Reminder for residents to be a good neighbour as freezing temperatures continue

With freezing temperatures set to continue, Warwickshire County Council is urging people to think about how cold weather could affect vulnerable members of our community.

Cold weather can lead to serious health problems and can kill. Older people, those with chronic health conditions and people who have a disability, are particularly at risk during the cold weather. The council is encouraging people to be good neighbours, to check in on friends, relatives and those nearby who may be vulnerable to the cold and make sure they have enough food and medications when the weather gets colder.

Top tips on staying healthy and safe during cold weather include:

• Keep warm – heat your home to at least 18 degrees C (65F)

• Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer; this will trap the heat better to keep you warm.

• Eat well – food gives you energy, which helps to keep you warm, so try to have regular hot meals and hot drinks throughout the day

Cllr Les Caborn, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care said:

“It is expected that temperatures will struggle to get above freezing for several days. While for many of us it is a simple case of wrapping up warm and turning up the heating, the reality for the more vulnerable member of our communities is quite different. This time of year can be particularly risky for health but by taking some practical steps, seeking help and reaching out to others we can all play a small part in helping each other to take care. I would encourage people to check on vulnerable neighbours or family members, particularly in rural areas, and make sure their homes are heated, they are stocked with warm food and drinks, can access medication if they need it and have a clear access to and from their homes to help prevent them falling.”

All residents are also reminded to check the conditions before they travel. Warwickshire’s fleet of gritters was poised and ready to take on the snow when it arrived to help keep roads moving across the county.

Cllr Jeff Clarke, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Environment “Gritting is a vital service and our Highways team has been doing a fantastic job of keeping Warwickshire’s roads moving. When the cold weather hits, safety on the roads is of paramount importance and this week our fleet have 29 gritters have spread around 750 tonnes of salt, covering a distance of more than 6,500 miles!

“We’re well prepared to keep Warwickshire moving, but we would ask people to always drive according to the conditions and to check their onward travel arrangements and weather information in case rail services or flights are affected before they set out.”

For anyone living in Warwickshire who needs advice and is worried about keeping their home warm, there is a free service, run by Act on Energy. The service can also help with fuel bills and benefits advice entitlements, including whether you are eligible for heating and insulation measures, so call 0800 988 2881 or see information leaflet.

Residents 16 or over whose financial circumstances make it difficult to purchase food or fuel are also invited to enquire about the County Council’s welfare scheme on 01926 410410 or online at warwickshire.gov.uk/welfarescheme. The scheme supports people with responsibilities for others and limited means to support themselves.